CategoryPeople / Jewish Religious Group
Modern EquivalentJewish priestly religious party associated with the Temple.
KJV Word TypePeople-group term / religious sect
DefinitionA Jewish religious group in the New Testament, often associated with the priestly leadership and the Temple. The Sadducees denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, and they frequently appear in conflict with Jesus and the apostles.
Key Verses"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both." (Acts 23:8); "The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him." (Matthew 22:23)
KJV Usage NoteThe Sadducees appear as a specific Jewish religious group, distinct from the Pharisees, especially in debates about resurrection and authority.
Common MisunderstandingThe term does not refer to all Jewish people; it identifies a particular religious party in the New Testament period.
EtymologyProbably from Hebrew Ṣĕdûqîm, often associated with Zadok or the priestly line of Zadok.